John Morrissey
Where we left off last year
2024 season: 51 points, 5th in the Eastern Conference
There may never be another USL Championship expansion team that flies as high as Rhode Island did last year. Even as the club drew most of the first dozen matches, their potential was obvious. By the time RIFC won the Eastern Conference, they had cemented themselves as a genuine contender, not just a fluky coincidence.
Much of that quality owes to Rhode Island's considerate roster construction. Signings like attacker Noah Fuson and defender Frank Nodarse emerged as stars but provided multi-position versatility. Strikers JJ Williams and Albert Dikwa both had their moments, and both were willing to lose out on starting minutes when other players were in better form. Midfielders like Marc Ybarra and Clay Holstad threaded the needle within a tactical system combining physicality and possessive finesse.
Though a title-game drubbing still stings, RIFC's debut year was a smashing success. This club set a new standard for any and all new entrants in 2024.
